India’s diverse wildlife attracts adventure enthusiasts with its majestic Royal Bengal tigers, majestic Asiatic lions, fierce cheetahs, elusive leopards, majestic one-horned rhinoceros, and gentle elephants. Going on a wildlife safari in any of the major national parks of India promises an unforgettable experience.
Half a century ago, India had only five national parks. Today, that number has grown to over 100. These protected areas span diverse landscapes, from the majestic Himalayas and the plains of Central India to the lush Western Ghats and the world’s largest mangrove forests in the east. Their primary purpose is to safeguard the rich biodiversity, much of which is unique and endangered.
Visit India’s finest national parks for abundant opportunities to see untamed wildlife in its natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, these pristine landscapes offer a glimpse into the wild heart of India.
Top 15 Best National Parks in India (2024)
Explore India’s Top National Parks in 2024
- Gir Forest National Park
- Ranthambore National Park
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kaziranga National Park,
- Hemis National Park
- Sundarbans National Park
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Blackbuck National Park
- Bannerghatta Biological Park
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Sariska National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Pench National Park
1. Gir Forest National Park
Gir Forest National Park stands out as a unique protected territory in India it is the sole habitat of the Asiatic lion, the true king of the jungle, worldwide. Located in the Gir Somnath, Junagadh, and Amreli districts of Gujarat, this vast scrub and savannah forest resembles the lion-inhabited landscapes of Africa. With over 2,000 wildlife species, nature enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable experience.
- Area: 1,412 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Asiatic lion, leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, Bengal fox, golden jackal, spotted deer, four-horned antelope, sambar, chinkara, blackbuck, wild boar, nilgai
- Prominent Bird Species: Bonelli’s eagle, tawny eagle, king vulture, crested serpent eagle, painted stork, crested hawk eagle, pelican
- Visiting Months: 16th October to 15th June
- Entry Fee: ₹150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Junagadh (77 km)
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (336 km)
2. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park, situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is one of the best places in India to spot tigers. It gained fame as the home of Machhli, the world’s most renowned tiger, featured in various National Geographic and Discovery Channel documentaries.
The park also houses Ranthambore Fort, adding historical significance to the area. While exploring the fort’s structures, visitors may encounter tigers, many of whom reside or frequently visit this captivating park.
- Area: 1,334 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, desert fox, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar, golden jackal
- Prominent Bird Species: Peafowl, sarus crane, kingfisher, owl, crested serpent eagle, pelican, stork, flamingo
- Visiting Months: 1st October to 30th June
- Entry Fee: ₹100 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Sawai Madhopur (14 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (182 km)
3. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, the first national park in India, holds a well-deserved position at the top of our list. Nestled in the Terai region of Uttarakhand, it was established in 1936 to safeguard the Bengal tiger. The park boasts lush hills, dense forest cover, and expansive grasslands ideal terrain for these majestic big cats.
Additionally, bird enthusiasts will delight in the park’s approximately 650 bird species. All five zones of Corbett National Park Dikhala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, and Dhela are open to tourists.
- Area: 1,318.54 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, gharial, elephant, spotted deer, leopard, barking deer
- Other Prominent Species: Pallas’ fish eagle, crocodile, gharial
- Visiting Months: 15th November to 15th June
- Entry Fee: ₹200 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar (1 km)
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (82 km)
4. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Central India, is a renowned tourist destination. This national park stands out for its historical significance it houses a fort. But what truly captivates visitors is the opportunity to witness tigers. Reports suggest that there are eight of these majestic cats per square kilometer here.
Elephant and jeep safaris operate in the morning and evening across the four tourist zones: Magadhi, Tala, Panpatha, and Khitauli. The vegetation mirrors the Deccan Plateau region—dry deciduous forests interspersed with open grasslands.
- Area: 1,536 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, leopard, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, gaur, chinkara, Bengal fox, golden jackal, striped hyena
- Prominent Bird Species: Sarus crane, Egyptian vulture, crested serpent eagle, lesser adjutant, black vulture, changeable hawk eagle, white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture
- Visiting Months: 25th October to 30th June
- Entry Fee: ₹250 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Umaria (33 km)
- Nearest Airport: Rani Durgawati Airport, Jabalpur (177 km)
5. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary for the endangered one-horned rhino. The vast open grasslands dominate this protected territory. Besides rhinos, the park is home to other large mammals like Indian elephants, wild water buffaloes, and Indian bison (gaurs). The landscape, with its massive horns, is easily distinguishable.
- Area: 430 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: One-horned rhino, Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, gaur, swamp deer, hog deer, tiger, leopard
- Prominent Bird Species: Ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, kingfisher, Eurasian eagle owl, Pallas’ fish eagle, Himalayan griffon, cinereous vulture
- Visiting Months: 1st November to 30th April
- Entry Fee: ₹50 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Nagaon (74.5 km)
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (213 km)
6. Hemis National Park
In the Himalayas, Hemis National Park boasts sparse vegetation due to its cold desert location. At an average altitude of over 10,000 feet above sea level, it’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers.
The park’s star attraction is the elusive snow leopard the world’s largest population resides here. With snow-capped peaks year-round and clear, star-studded night skies, Hemis is an ideal spot for camping.
- Area: 4,400 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan brown bear, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, Ladakhi urial, red fox
- Prominent Bird Species: Himalayan griffon vulture, golden eagle, lammergeier
- Visiting Months: Year-round (extra caution advisable for winters)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards
- Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (48 km)
7. Sundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique swamp forest where tigers are equally at ease swimming in rivers as they are running on land.
Unlike most Indian national parks, navigating this one involves boats rather than walking or jeeps. With numerous small distributaries of the Ganges winding through the mangrove forest, you’ll encounter hidden natural gems.
- Area: 1,330 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, leopard cat, fishing cat, fox, spotted deer
- Other Prominent Species: Stork, saltwater crocodile, white-bellied sea eagle, grey-headed sea eagle
- Visiting Months: November to March
- Entry Fee: ₹60 onwards
- Nearest Railway Stations: Sealdah Station (115 km); Howrah Junction (124 km)
- Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (119 km)
Don’t miss exploring the famous weekend getaways from Kolkata.
8. Periyar Tiger Reserve
Located in South India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is named after the Periyar River, Kerala’s longest river. This reserve embodies the essence of the Western Ghats’ lush hills, trekking trails, lakes, rivers, and diverse wildlife.
Enjoy jeep safaris or simply relax by the shores of Periyar Lake, surrounded by gently sloping hills. The region’s endemic wildlife has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- Area: 305 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, gaur, dhole, elephant, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, Indian giant squirrel
- Prominent Bird Species: Black-necked stork, great hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, rufous-bellied eagle, Sri Lankan frogmouth
- Visiting Season: Year-round
- Entry Fee: ₹155 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Madurai (138 km)
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (151 km)
Explore the amazing places to visit in South India while you’re there.
9. Great Himalayan National Park
Recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, the Great Himalayan National Park epitomizes the world’s highest mountain range. Its elevation spans from around 5,000 feet to over 19,500 feet, showcasing the entire diversity of Himalayan vegetation.
From subtropical pine forests at lower altitudes to temperate coniferous forests dominated by deodars, spruces, and firs, and further up to subalpine grasslands and meadows, this park is a treasure trove of biodiversity.
- Area: 754 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, bharal, Himalayan tahr, goral, musk deer, blue sheep, red fox
- Prominent Bird Species: Monal pheasant, lammergeier, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, eagle owl
- Visiting Months: October to June
- Entry Fee: ₹150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Shimla (196 km)
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (205 km)
10. Blackbuck National Park
Located in Gujarat, the Blackbuck National Park was established to protect the blackbuck, a unique species of deer. It’s also one of the few places in India where you can spot the Indian wolf. Unlike lush green parks, this one features vast expanses of tall golden grass with scattered trees. Despite its smaller size, it’s worth a visit.
- Area: 34.08 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Blackbuck, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackals, wild boar, nilgai, hare
- Prominent Bird Species: Bustard, eagle, crane, stork, falcon
- Visiting Season: Year-round (October to March recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhavnagar (45 km)
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (151 km)
11. Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore
Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bangalore offers a delightful blend of lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. Visitors can get up close to Royal Bengal tigers, Indian wolves, barking deer, and other fascinating animals. The park is also home to over 100 bird species. Enjoy elephant, jeep, and bus safaris, or even camp overnight amidst the wildlife.
- Area: 27 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, leopard, jackal, fox, wild boar, sloth bear, spotted deer, striped hyena, blackbuck, nilgai, bonnet macaque, pangolin, slender loris, giraffe, hamadryas baboon
- Other Prominent Species: Monitor lizard, python, Russell’s viper, krait, flamingos, pelicans, peacocks, laughing dove, Asian koel, rainbow lorikeet
- Visiting Months: Year-round (November to June recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹80 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station (24 km)
- Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (72 km)
12. Valley of Flowers National Park
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a breathtaking national park. Its meadows are adorned with endemic alpine flowers and shrubs. The park also shelters rare and endangered wildlife species, including the elusive snow leopard.
The trek to the Valley of Flowers from Govindghat offers glimpses of mountain streams, gushing waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. Its unmatched charm has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
- Area: 87 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Himalayan black bear, grey langur, red giant flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel, red fox, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan goral, blue sheep
- Other Prominent Species: Himalayan vulture, yellow-billed and red-billed choughs, koklass pheasant, Himalayan pit viper
- Visiting Months: June to October (July to September recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹150 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (264 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant International Airport, Dehradun (281 km)
13. Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
Surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills, Sariska National Park offers a unique blend of rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrub-thorn arid forests. As a famous tiger reserve, it’s home to the popular Bengal tiger and other species. Sariska made history by successfully relocating tigers from Ranthambore to repopulate the park.
Besides wildlife, the park boasts diverse bird species and flora, delighting nature lovers. Camping sites near the park allow waking up to the chirping of birds amidst lush surroundings.
- Area: 881 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Jungle cat, Indian leopard, golden jackal, nilgai, small Indian civet, ruddy mongoose, Indian hare, grey langur
- Prominent Bird Species: Crested serpent eagles, golden-backed woodpeckers, harbors quail, peafowl, Indian eagle-owl
- Visiting Months: Year-round (October to May recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹80 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction (40 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (110 km)
14. Kanha National Park
Located amidst the Maikal Range of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a key tiger reserve zone in the country. This park is a major attraction for tourists who love natural surroundings and wildlife safaris. From crystal-clear waterbeds and lush meadows to rich flora and fauna, Kanha has a lot to offer.
The national park boasts a rich tiger population and is home to many other animals and about 300 species of birds. To truly experience the magic, take a jeep or elephant safari in the park and encounter tigers and other animals up close. If you’re looking to spend more time in the wilderness, there are camping options available in the vicinity.
- Area: 940 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Tiger, chital, panther, blackbuck, gaur, wild pig, sloth bear, hard ground barasingha, barking deer
- Other Prominent Species: Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, emerald dove, python, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, Indian monitor
- Visiting Months: Mid-October to June (November to February recommended)
- Entry Fee: ₹250 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Nainpur Railway Station (51 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport (130 km)
15. Pench National Park
A prominent attraction in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is a delight for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The ferocious Bengal tiger draws many tourists to Pench, which reportedly houses around 50 tigers within its lush woods.
The park also hosts approximately 210 bird species, 40 mammal species, 13 reptile species, and some amphibians. Don’t miss the chance to spot different animals and birds during treks, jungle walks, or jungle safaris—it’s an unmissable experience. You can even camp here for a couple of days.
- Area: 758 square kilometers
- Prominent Mammal Species: Bengal tiger, sambar, chital, nilgai, jackal, wild boar, Indian leopard, four-horned antelope, jungle cat, striped hyena, barking deer
- Prominent Bird Species: Magpie robin, peafowl, junglefowl, lesser whistling teal, herons, wagtail, racket-tailed drongo, crimson-breasted barbet
- Visiting Months: Mid-October to June
- Entry Fee: ₹15 onwards
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramtek Railway Station (37 km)
- Nearest Airport: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (103 km)
Conclusion
These national parks showcase India’s ecological, wildlife, and geographical diversity. India boasts a diverse array of national parks, each with its unique charm. Visiting one doesn’t mean you should overlook the others; instead, explore them all!
From the lush forests of Jim Corbett to the wetlands of Sundarbans, each park offers something special. And if you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the chance to explore these natural wonders at your own pace.
FAQs
Which national park is most visited in India?
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Sundarbans National Park
- Gir National Park
- Ranthambore National Park
Which is the best national park in India?
- Ranthambore National Park
- Jim Corbett
- Pench National Park